Scope 1, 2, and 3: What UAE Businesses Actually Need to Measure

Why "Scopes" Exist

The scope framework from the Greenhouse Gas Protocol prevents double-counting and categorizes where emissions come from. Different scopes need different data sources and calculation methods.

Scope 1: Direct Emissions (What You Burn)

Emissions from sources your company owns or directly controls:

• Diesel generators — every litre produces ~2.68 kg CO2e
• Company fleet — cars, trucks, vans owned or leased by your company
• Natural gas — for heating, cooking (hospitality), or industrial processes
• Refrigerant leakage — HFCs from AC and refrigeration are potent GHGs. In the UAE's climate, this is significant and often overlooked
• Industrial processes — cement, aluminium, chemicals that release CO2 as byproducts

Scope 2: Indirect Energy Emissions (What You Consume)

Emissions from purchased electricity, steam, or cooling:

• DEWA/ADDC/SEWA/FEWA electricity — multiply kWh by ~0.4 kg CO2e/kWh
• District cooling — Empower, Tabreed — get consumption data from your provider

Scope 2 is often the largest category for office, retail, and hospitality businesses due to massive AC demand.

Scope 3: Value Chain (Everything Else)

• Business travel — flights (major for UAE's hub status), hotels, ground transport
• Employee commuting
• Purchased goods and services
• Supply chain logistics — especially for import-heavy businesses
• Waste disposal

What UAE Law Requires

Phase 1: Scope 1 and 2 are mandatory. Phase 2 (2027): Scope 3 expected to become mandatory for material categories. Start tracking now for a head start.

Common Mistakes

• Confusing Scope 1 and 2 — if you own the generator, it's Scope 1; if DEWA generates it, it's Scope 2
• Forgetting refrigerants — every UAE building runs AC year-round
• Ignoring district cooling — doesn't appear on DEWA bill
• Double-counting between scopes

Start Measuring All Three Scopes

SmartFenek covers Scope 1-3 — start your free trial. UAE-specific emission factors, automated data collection, and expert support.